Piracy of sports broadcasts: an agreement reached between operators and rights holders

An agreement aimed at combating pirate broadcasts of sports competitions was concluded on Wednesday between the four major internet service providers in France and the holders of sports rights, announced the audiovisual regulator, Arcom.

Concretely, the parties have agreed on "good practices in judicial matters but also on the assumption of the costs of the automation of the blocking measures notified by Arcom on referral of the beneficiaries", continues the agency, ex -THAT'S IT.

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"The conclusion of this agreement is the culmination of real teamwork which is now intended to continue, to anticipate the evolution of uses, protect rights and allow their fair remuneration", welcomed Roch-Olivier Maistre. , president of Arcom, quoted in the press release.

"This signature marks an important step for the protection of sports content in France on which the members of the APPS, bringing together both broadcasters and rights holders, have been able to build and perpetuate their agreement", added Maxime Saada, Chairman of the Executive Board. of the Canal + group and president of APPS, also quoted in the press release.

1300 illegal sites blocked in France for a year

Social networks, use of VPNs, installation of IPTV devices… The techniques are numerous and constantly changing to counter legislation and watch sports on TV without putting your hand in your wallet.

Many sports fans have been complaining for several years about the inflation of packages to be paid to watch competitions legally.

The bursting of offers in football is a shining example.

For the past year - under the anti-piracy law adopted in September 2021 and effective in 2022 - Arcom has received 85 referrals from sports rights holders relating to ten sports competitions.

Nearly 1,300 illegal sites have been blocked in this way.

On March 17, the Paris court ordered the blocking by French internet service providers of access to IPTV services (internet television) illegally offering the live broadcast of sports matches.